WHEREAS, Menopause is a normal physiological transition that marks the end of menstrual
cycles, is often preceded by perimenopause, and is experienced by many Philadelphians across
our neighborhoods and workforce; and
WHEREAS, Perimenopause is a natural process and transition phase that leads to menopause, which is a normal physiological transition that marks the end of menstrual cycles; and
WHEREAS, The International Menopause Society founded World Menopause Day in 2009 to raise awareness and improve the experience of women and menopausal individuals around the world; and
WHEREAS, This year’s theme is Chronic Pain at Midlife and chronic pain affects a significant proportion of women and individuals during and after the menopause transition, yet it remains underestimated in both research and care; and
WHEREAS, Globally, nearly 25 million women enter menopause each year, and studies estimate by 2030, that 1.2 billion women and around the world will be menopausal or post-menopausal; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, it is estimated that 1.4 million women enter menopause each year, and approximately 6,000 women in the United States each day; and
WHEREAS, Despite a large percentage of the world’s population being impacted by menopause, there is still a lot of misinformation and barriers to menopause care; and
WHEREAS, Barriers to care include limited access to culturally competent clinicians, coverage gaps, and out-of-pocket costs fall disproportionately on communities of color, LGBTQ+ residents, immigrants, people with disabilities, and low-income Philadelphians, demanding equity-focused solutions; and
WHEREAS, October 18th, signifies World Menopause Day, a day for advocates, organizations and people impacted by menopause globally to raise awareness and advocate to expand research, education, legislation, and support for menopausal people; and
WHEREAS, Bill No. 250849, passed by the Philadelphia City Council, is the first measure at the local level to require reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing severe symptoms of menopause and prohibit discrimination based on menopause in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, On World Menopause Day, efforts continue to address disparities and gaps in education, legislation and research that effect millions of women and people experiencing menopause; and
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes October 18th, 2026, as World Menopause Day in the City of Philadelphia.
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